Sumita Dawra Highlights Labour Reforms and Future Growth at Hyderabad Event
Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, spoke about the importance of labour reforms and demographic dividend in driving India’s economic growth at an event in Hyderabad. The event was jointly hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Employers’ Federation of India (EFI).
Key Points from the Event
Dawra mentioned that India’s GDP is currently about USD 3 trillion and is expected to reach USD 33 trillion by 2047. She highlighted several reforms introduced by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, including:
- Decriminalization of labour laws
- Increasing female workforce participation
- Social security and labour welfare
These reforms aim to drive inclusive growth in India.
Job Creation and Gig Economy
Dawra cited data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), revealing the creation of 8 crore new jobs in India over the past five years, largely driven by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and startups. She also highlighted the expanding gig economy, estimating it will employ about 2.4 crore people by 2030.
Labour Law Consolidation and AI Task Force
The consolidation of 29 labour laws into four codes was also underscored, alongside the active integration of the National Career Service portal with data from the Ministry of Skills. Dawra further announced the establishment of a government task force to study the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of work.
State and Industry Efforts
Representing the State Labour Department, Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary, highlighted Telangana’s efforts to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Advanced Training Centres. Sai D Prasad, Chairman of CII Telangana, detailed efforts to increase women’s workforce participation to 50 per cent.
Task Forces and Partnerships
A task force focusing on Gig & Platform workers was formed to recommend enhancements in social security coverage. The session featured presentations on the simplification of labour laws and their impact, aiming to attract investment and foster economic development through streamlined regulations and e-governance initiatives.
EPFO and ESIC officials engaged with participants, presenting their visions for organizational reform. The National Career Service Portal was highlighted as a comprehensive solution for career counselling and employment network integration across India. CII also announced a partnership with the Ministry of Labour & Employment to establish 100 additional CII Model Career Centres.
Key Dignitaries
The event saw the presence of key dignitaries including Madhu Damodaran representing EFI, Sunkari Mallesham representing Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh on the Central Board of EPFO, and several senior officials from EPFO, underscoring the collaborative efforts between government and industry to foster a conducive environment for growth and development.
